Jacob Willcox relates how east coast move saved surfing career

Margaret River-born surfing sensation Jacob Willcox has opened up about his long ride to qualify for the World Surf League’s Championship Tour — and why he had to leave Margaret River for it to happen. The surfer was ebullient at news his qualification to the CT for 2024 was confirmed. It came after years of setbacks and angling for his spot on the world tour. Willcox has surfed 13 times already in WSL CT events as a wildcard — as many as any other professional athlete. But he told Inertia magazine a shift to the Gold Coast two years ago was “pivotal”. The relocation meant leaving close friends and family behind, but gave him access to high-quality training as well as colleagues also on the WSL’s Challenger Series aiming to break through to the top tour. “It might be a combination of being more experienced and mature which means I know what to do under stressful situations,” Willcox said. “I’ve learned more about myself and how to get the best version of myself when I am competing.” “There’s a lot of losses that have gone into this. “This is the first year it’s felt easy. The rest have felt like an uphill battle.” Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane told the Times Willcox’s breakthrough onto the world tour was admirable and reflected the surfer’s dedication. “We have watched him grow and develop from a 10-year-old, taking advantage of every opportunity he could find,” Mr Lane said. “The persistence and the resilience he has shown is a credit to himself, his parents and all of those in his corner. “I think we all grew a bit with the news of his achievement.” The CEO noted Willcox cut his teeth on competitive surfing at a young age and had competed at almost every level in the prized sport. “Along his road to qualification, Jacob has surfed for his high school, his boardrider club, his State, his country, and has always made himself available for many of the programs and events we run here in WA,” Mr Lane said. “What a fantastic achievement from such a dedicated, skilled and well-liked young man. “His qualification brought thousands of surf fans so much happiness and relief — certainly in WA.” The Margaret River goofy-footer, currently No.2 in the rankings, secured his place on surfing’s elite tour on October 4 before surfing his first heat at the Ericeira Pro in Portugal after other competitors were eliminated from the penultimate event.